Don’t Ignore the Signs: When to See a Doctor for Heart Palpitations

Because your heart plays such an essential role, anything that could suggest a heart health issue should be given close consideration. This is true of heart palpitations, which are abnormal heartbeats that many people experience from time to time. 

Understanding when to seek medical attention for heart palpitations isn’t always easy. That’s why the team at Heart and Vascular Care is here today to discuss this common issue and help you better understand the difference between normal heartbeat variations and the signs of a serious heart condition. 

What do heart palpitations feel like?

Heart palpitations are episodes of abnormal heart rhythm. Virtually everyone will experience palpitations at some point, and the condition is often harmless. 

People describe heart palpitations as the sensation of their heart:

• Missing a beat
• Having an extra beat
• Fluttering
• Racing 
• Pounding
• Flip-flopping

In many instances, there’s a clear cause for these temporary changes in your heart rhythm. For example, a fluttering heartbeat could be a sign of anxiety as you prepare for a date or a job interview. A racing heartbeat isn’t uncommon when you’ve exerted yourself or become angry. 

Common causes of harmless heart palpitations

As mentioned above, emotional turmoil can disrupt your heartbeat's normal rhythm. So if you only notice these irregularities when you’re feeling anxious, excited, or upset, then there may be nothing to worry about. That’s especially true if the sensation quickly fades. 

Many people experience heart palpitations as a result of caffeine consumption. Many foods and beverages contain caffeine, and you might not be aware of your true daily consumption levels, not to mention the fact that many medications, supplements, drink mixes, and fitness powders also contain high volumes of caffeine. 

Conditions such as anemia, fever, and dehydration can also affect your heartbeat. And it comes as no surprise that nicotine and recreational drugs can cause your heart to keep a different beat for a period of time. 

When to worry about heart palpitations

If you experience an abnormal heartbeat with no clear cause, pay close attention to how you feel and be prepared to take action. If you experience any of the following in conjunction with heart palpitations, it could be a sign of a serious heart health issue:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pressure or pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting

The duration of heart palpitations is also something to keep an eye on. If the sensations last for more than a few seconds, come and go within a short period, or worsen over time, schedule a visit to Heart and Vascular Care for a diagnostic exam. 

We have the tools, technology, and experience needed to accurately determine the source of your irregular heartbeat. Once we find out what’s causing these abnormal rhythms, we can begin to shape a personalized care plan to restore optimal heart pacing. 

No one knows your body better than you do, and if you feel that something is just not right, it’s important to listen to those messages. Even if you come in and there’s no cause for concern, you’ll gain the peace of mind that comes with a clean bill of health. 

When you’re ready to schedule a visit at our offices in Plano or McKinney, Texas, give us a quick call or try our online booking tool. We can often accommodate office visits with short notice, and our administrative team will do everything they can to get you on the schedule as quickly as possible.